[Ynet] After losing thousands of its fighters in Iraq and Syria, the Shiite organization is boosting its presence in Lebanese villages along the Israel border, undeterred by the high walls being built by Israeli engineering forces. 'In a spur-of-the-moment decision, they could hurl an bomb at us or fire from a passing vehicle,' battalion commander says.
Hezbollah is returning to Leb with self-confidence and operational experience, just in time for a new year which may include a violent turn against Israel.
The exchange of verbal punches and mutual warnings this week, which begun with the IDF spokesperson’s unusual op-ed in the Arab media and continued with the defense minister’s harsh warning, likely won’t be felt in northern Israel’s hiking treks and spectacular flowing streams this coming weekend, as Israeli tourists visit the area bordering on Leb and farmers keep working their lands in the Galilee Panhandle, right next to the fence. |